LT tire pressure question

Donstar · February 26, 2019

Arguments over LT and P rated tires are silly, imo. I think it was covered earlier in this post and that is to consider tire quality. I'd choose a good quality P rated tire over a poorer quality LT tire to travel the gravel roads. (I once lived at mile 300 of the Alaska highway before it was paved so tires were a concern) Tire construction has evolved over the years and designations have changed. Load range is the number that is important. If you're still counting "plys " and hold on to the belief that "P" rated tires are just for cars then you may benefit from further research. There were similar discussions when radial and tubeless tires started appearing on trucks.

E-rich1210 · February 28, 2019

I tend to be of the mindset that it's worth paying a little extra to get a better tire. I used to run Michelin LTX m/s2 stock size on my last silverado and they worked great. I just wanted something a little more aggressive and stiffer for towing so I went to the LT Faulken Wildpeak AT3W. I live on a hobby farm and the stock tires were pretty miserable at driving around the farm after any rain or snow. I didn't expect to start arguments, just wanted to see what people were running for pressures in similar size LT tires.

I went with the recommended 40 psi for now and they seem to ride well. The first few miles they were a little rough, but now they are quite smooth, better than I was expecting them to be honestly. We got some snow last night and the definitely grip better than other tires I have had. Anyway, good luck to everyone with your tires. As long as they work for you then be happy with them. Thank you all for the helpful input.

Kubs · February 28, 2019

The main point I was trying to make, whether it is a P metric or LT tire, is that they need to be properly inflated for the load they are carrying. Other guys were talking about chalking tires and finding the best wear pattern, but if that ends up being below the required inflation for the load that becomes dangerous. The sacrifice you may encounter with the LT tire is wear, at a higher inflation. Dont inflate based on wear, inflate based on load. It sounds like you did this according to the Falken chart, so you should be good to go.

E-rich1210 · February 28, 2019

31 minutes ago, Kubs said:

The main point I was trying to make, whether it is a P metric or LT tire, is that they need to be properly inflated for the load they are carrying. Other guys were talking about chalking tires and finding the best wear pattern, but if that ends up being below the required inflation for the load that becomes dangerous. The sacrifice you may encounter with the LT tire is wear, at a higher inflation. Dont inflate based on wear, inflate based on load. It sounds like you did this according to the Falken chart, so you should be good to go.

Yeah that's why I went with that pressure, if I never used my truck to tow or carry a load I wouldn't have gone to LT tires or I would run a lower pressure appropriate for the lighter load. With the 40 psi I can tow/ load the bed and not damage the tires. I suppose people could do the chalk test loaded and see what the wear looks like with the lower PSI...

GN2018 · February 28, 2019

This has been a great thread for me. I’m definitely looking into LT tires when I get a new set. Maybe sooner if I find myself towing more often. Among the benefits is that they look really cool (aggressive). Thanks.

TXGREEK · February 28, 2019

This has been a great thread for me. I’m definitely looking into LT tires when I get a new set. Maybe sooner if I find myself towing more often. Among the benefits is that they look really cool (aggressive). Thanks.

I love my Nitto Ridge Grapplers but did notice an mpg loss and slightly rougher ride due to the reinforced side walls. You’ll also be getting a loss in mpg’s due to weight difference and if changing dimensions but mostly a big weight difference.

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Donstar · February 28, 2019

50 minutes ago, GN2018 said:

This has been a great thread for me. I’m definitely looking into LT tires when I get a new set. Maybe sooner if I find myself towing more often. Among the benefits is that they look really cool (aggressive). Thanks.

Cool looking tires are important and you will find them in both P and LT classifications. Don't pass on a good looking design simply because it has the P designation. Look for the load range designation on the sidewall (ie: 115). Chances are the tire you have found will far exceed the limits of your truck. LT tires will work but the main difference you will notice is poorer gas mileage.

TXGREEK · February 28, 2019

Cool looking tires are important and you will find them in both P and LT classifications. Don't pass on a good looking design simply because it has the P designation. Look for the load range designation on the sidewall (ie: 115). Chances are the tire you have found will far exceed the limits of your truck. LT tires will work but the main difference you will notice is poorer gas mileage.

I think the Michelin Defenders would be a great p rated tire but what about leveled and lifted trucks? I’ve had a very large amount of trucks and approximately 2 of every 10 LT tires ever had a flat and that was due to rebar in one and slamming into a curb with the other with much more damage to vehicle. LT’s are much stronger and it’s not just old days of belts, they’re completely redesigned specifically for added sidewall protection thanks to the off-road community. When lifting or leveling your truck you’re not looking for worse ride or mpg’s but looking to enhance the look with filling in that big void. In addition, Suspension has a lot to do with it. My truck off the lot road incredibly smooth, leveled it rode horrible, lifted with high end lift, adding high end coil overs etc vastly improved the ride quality even with E-F rated tires. Suspension will definitely have a huge input in ride quality but you’re pretty much screwed when it comes to MPG’s.

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